Chris Kyle's career as a U.S. Navy SEAL sniper lasted only a decade, but he racked up more confirmed kills than any other sniper in U.S. history. Kyle obliterated the previous American sniper record of 109 confirmed kills during his career, racking up 150.
Kyle, like many Texas youngsters, was raised with hunting rifles. He was taught to shoot by his father and honed his skills in the Navy. In 1999, he began his career as one of the world's finest snipers. He even once recorded a 2,100-yard kill shot while under fire.
Nicknamed either "The Devil" or "The Legend" depending on if he's on your team or not, Kyle was also a family man. His wife Taya weighs in throughout the book on how they managed to juggle a home life, a family and a war. Kyle was honorably discharged in 2009, planning to spend more time with his wife and two children. Tragically, Kyle was shot and killed at a Chalk Mountain, Texas, shooting range in February 2013.
American Sniper is Kyle's autobiography, remembering in great detail the highs and lows of his four combat tours during Operation Iraqi Freedom, as well as his missions in other countries around the world. In writing his memoir, Kyle manages to talk about military involvement in the Middle East while remaining non-political. He talks of rescuing Marines under heavy fire in Fallujah, of being shot twice and of hand-to-hand combat with insurgents in Ramadi. He also openly discusses the pain and grief caused by losing two close friends in war.
Kyle penned American Sniper with the help of Scott McEwen and Jim DeFelice. McEwen is a lawyer from California. DeFelice is known for his biography of Omar Bradley, titled Omar Bradley: General at War. He has also written several fiction works, primarily military thrillers.
"Thought it was a great book. For someone who is considered the "Best of the Best" when it comes down to Snipers the author does not brag at all. I like the way the author tells his story from the front lines but also includes the thoughts of his wife and family back home."
—
Rcopithorne (5 out of 5 stars)